Michael F. O'Connell

Managing Director 

moconnell@rackemann.com

Tel: 617-951-1151

- Business- Real Estate- Tax- Trusts and Estates

 

Education

Bar and Court Admissions

• Massachusetts
• U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts
• U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit
• U.S. Tax Court

Practice Focus

Mr. O'Connell is Chairman of the firm's Tax Practice Group. He concentrates his practice in the areas of business, real estate, tax and financial planning for both for-profit and not-for-profit organizations, partnerships and limited liability companies, individuals and corporations, and estate and gift tax planning for individuals.

Notable Experience

• Forms and advises investment partnerships, limited liability companies and joint venture companies involved in the financing, acquisition, construction, development and syndication of office buildings, research facilities and residential developments.
• Represents and advises closely-held and family businesses on corporate and commercial transactions and on tax planning, governance and succession matters.
• Acts as outside general counsel to public and private domestic and international not-for-profit foundations, advising them on all aspects of tax, regulatory, fund-raising, organizational and operational issues.
• Advises individuals and families on estate and gift tax planning and acts as independent trustee and advisor for family trusts.

Background

Mr. O'Connell has practiced law at Rackemann since 1971.

Professional Activities

• American Bar Association
• Massachusetts Bar Association
• Boston Bar Association
• Trustee, Brigham and Women's Hospital (1987 - 1996)
• Chairman, Brigham and Women's Hospital: Ventures Advisory Committee (1986 – 1997)
• Director, BWH Anesthesia Foundation, Inc. (1995 – 2000)
• Director, Brigham Surgical Group, Inc. (1996 – 2000)
• Trustee, Brigham and Women’s Physicians’ Organization (2000-present)
• Member, Harvard Medical School: Standing Committee on Conflicts of Interest (1994 –2002)
• Member, Partners HealthCare System, Inc.: Committee on Professional and Institutional Conduct (1997 – present)
• Director, International Fund for Animal Welfare, Inc. (1998-2002)
• Chairman and Director, Operation Smile (Greater Boston Chapter) (1995-2001)

Publications

Mr. O'Connell has been a frequent lecturer and contributing author for MCLE, Federal Tax Institute and ALI/ABA programs on real estate and partnership taxation.